Stepping across the light-filled threshold, our group of six walked up the red carpet to an arch of balloons. Stepping into the lift we ascended into a fantasy world none of us wanted to leave. After depositing our coats with some of Jurys helpful staff, we were rewarded with a glass of champagne. Excellent start I thought.
The party comprised of numerous rooms, each one more delicious than the last. The first we encountered was filled with bodies, the tinkling of glasses and unmistakeable smell of Krispy Kreme donuts. My heart leapt as I noticed the huge oven in the corner, and like a curious child, I itched to go over and explore. We were soon invited to decorate our very own sugary ring of heaven, a queue of adults turned five year olds waiting excitedly in their paper hats to dip a donut into chocolate and sprinkles, then devour it just as fast. We were also given a box of DIY donut decorating to take home with us and share with/goad loved ones. Nice touch.
With all of the excitement going on from Krispy Kreme, I only just noticed the enormous cart filled with pick and mix from Deluxe Occasions. Invited to pick up a pinstriped paper bag, we filled our boots. Despite a recent trip to the dentist, I gorged on chew bars, chocolate eggs and sherbert spaceships... well we were at a party after all.
The next room was a slightly more grown up affair, a cocktail demonstration and rather professional looking powerpoint that explored the science behind our drinks. Pink in colour but strong and sugary, I sipped mine inbetween intermittent bites of donut and a drumstick chew bar. It's fair to say that after a busy day we left the office feeling tired and weary, but 10 minutes of being in this 10th birthday party certainly brought colour to our cheeks. We laughed our way through the games room, playing lifesize versions of family favourites operation, connect four and kerplunk, before trying our luck in the balloon room to see if we could win a prize.
No doubt bemused by the sheer happiness and excitement on the faces of the adults before them, Jurys staff were wonderful and very helpful. Being a big foodie, my favourite part was what I call the networking room, filled with tiny tasters of beckleberrys ice cream and their indulgent mini desserts. Canapes of chicken kebab, mini sliders and sweet treats floated around the room while we propped up the bar with Wylam Brewery, posed in the photobooth with deluxe occasions, and chatted to other party-goers.
The night flew by and before we knew it, it was time to get a taxi home with our bag full of goodies and go to bed with a big smile on our face, but not before trying our hand at Jurys final surprise. Each of us were given a key and if that key flashed green in the mystery door somewhere in the hotel, we would win a trip for two to Prague. Sadly none of us won, but that didn't matter, we had a brilliant night and look forward to the next big birthday!
Thank you Jurys Inn for having us, and to Krispy Kreme, Beckleberrys, Deluxe Occasions, Wylam Brewery and everyone else for making our night great.
You can follow me on twitter (@proseccoandpie) for more photos of our evening, and say hello if you attended too!
